If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) to lovable mongrels.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
Different breeds of dog also tend to have different personalities, with some falling into the group lovingly called ‘velcro dogs’.
These are the pets that just love their owners so much they want to be as close to them as they can, 24 hours a day, and live for close contact and cuddles.
They will be less than understanding of any social life that you may have, instead being keen for another night on the couch, so if you are looking for a pub you can leave alone regularly then you should maybe look elsewhere.
Here are 21 of the stickiest velcro dogs.
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17. Border Collie
When it comes to close relationships between animals and humans, there are few closer than that formed between a Border Collie and its owner. Fiercely intelligent, these dogs are pack animals who can create a near-psychic bond that makes them perfect for herding sheep. Even as a household pet, they'll be as one with their family and will rarely want or need time alone. | AFP via Getty Images
18. German Shepherd
They may have a tough reputation as police and military dogs but the eagerness to please humans that makes German Shepherds so good at those jobs also means that they see themselves as a companion for life who will stick to their human like glue. | Canva/Getty Images
19. Great Dane
Great Danes often seem unaware of their enormous size when seeking affection. These gentle giants frequently lean against people, follow them around, and attempt to become oversized lap dogs. | AFP via Getty Images
20. Boxer
Don't let their occasionally grumpy-looking faces fool you - Boxers are soft as putty and utterly adore their owners. You'll never have any problem finding them - just look down and they'll be right at your side. It's endearing, but can be an issue if you want a more independently-minded pet. | Canva/Getty Images